Joseph "Butty" Gerard Tranchina

Joseph Gerard Tranchina (aka Butty) a native of New Orleans, passed away with family by his side at Poydras Home, on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. He was the beloved husband of the late Betty Lou Pereira Tranchina for 69 years. He was born on June 3, 1922 in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Felice Tranchina and Anna Gilmore Tranchina. He was also preceded in death by his brother Felice Tranchina Jr., sister Shirley Monaghan, and his nephew Jay Monaghan, of New Orleans, LA. Butty is a graduate of Fortier High School and graduated from Tulane University with a BA degree. He is survived by his daughters Lynn Tranchina Meade (Steve) of New Orleans, LA, his daughter Laurie Tranchina Waggener of Houston, TX, and a host of nieces and nephews. Additionally, Joseph is survived by his cherished grandchildren Ryan James Meade (Hardin) of Nashville, TN, Erin Meade Spence (Cooper) of Atlanta, GA, and his three great granddaughters, Annabelle Sue Meade, Elizabeth Meade Spence and Mary Franklin Spence, who brought much joy with every visit to New Orleans. Butty is remembered for many gifts, but none as precious as his storytelling. His family enjoyed his entertaining, historic and often poignant stories over the years. At 97 years of age, he recalled many fun times growing up in the Carrollton area of New Orleans, riding his pony to the lakefront , buying po-boys for a nickel, playing ball in Palmer Park, and enjoying many high school dances as a teenager. He attended Fortier High School in the late 30’s where he lettered in track and field. At only 5’7’’, he was quite an athlete, running the 220 yd. hurdles, and pole vaulting. Fortier won the State Championship in track and field when Butty was a senior in 1939. It was only 2 years post-graduation that Butty came to the aid of his country after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. He enlisted in the Navy at the end of 1941, was deployed as a signalman on the PCE 871, a Patrol Craft Escort, first in the Atlantic and then to the Pacific. Their duty was to escort convoys, carry

supplies and protect the bigger ships as they headed out on missions. Butty excelled in reading code and flag signals. One sad message that Joseph recalled decoding was one announcing the death of President Roosevelt, with the order for all flags to be flown at half-mast. During his 4- ½ years at sea, Butty saw many of the world’s most beautiful islands in the South Pacific, but in the worst of circumstances, he recalled. Butty was proud of his military service and at age 90 began volunteering at the WWII museum as a greeter. A perfect job for him. Butty returned home from the war in early 1946. He eventually met Betty Lou Pereira on a blind date to a wiener roast on the Mississippi River levee. Later they went dancing and he soon decided he wanted to dance with her for the rest of his life. He married Betty Lou in 1950 and worked during the day while attending Tulane University at night. He graduated in Business Administration. They proudly welcomed two daughters into their life, and Butty went on to pursue a successful career in Sales, being the top Salesman for 5 consecutive years in the Honeywell Corporation – Security division. Butty and Betty Lou enjoyed many years of retirement on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. They cooked and entertained and so enjoyed their newly made friends and long-lasting New Orleans friends while living in Bay St. Louis and Pass Christian. They were members of the Pass Christian Golf Club, and Bay Waveland and Pass Christian Yacht Clubs. Butty was an avid golfer and sailor and continued to enjoy both into his 80’s. Butty and Betty Lou loved to dance together at any chance, and until his last days was the favorite dance partner for both his daughters. The family wishes to thank the entire staff of Poydras Home from administration, nursing, activities department, food service, and maintenance for the many kindnesses shown to Butty over the last 6 years. You made him feel special with your loving care and attention.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 631 State Street in New Orleans, on Friday, June 26, 2020 at 11:00AM. A visitation will be held at the church beginning at 10:00AM. A private interment will take place at Metairie Cemetery.

Should you wish to remember Butty in some way, please consider a donation to Poydras Home, 5354 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70115, or Masses in his memory.

To view and sign the guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com